Florida became the second state after Louisiana to ban sales of MDPV, a synthetic drug with effects similar to meth and cocaine that sellers are marketing as “bath salts,” NPR reports. They can be found in convenience stores and gas stations. Besides their high, authorities have said that the drug produces a psychotic break in their users, afflicting them with violent hallucinations. In one case, a man tore out a police radio from the car with his teeth. In another, a woman went after her mother with a machete, having confused her with a monster. Party time!

The drug is sold under names like “Vanilla Sky,” “White Lightning,” and “Ivory Snow.” Besides bath salts, the synthetic drug has also been sold as growth stimulator, PH optimize, pond scume remover, and “odorizer” (as opposed to deoderizer).

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) has said he is introducing a bill that would impose a nationwide ban.

Florida Bans Cocaine-Like ‘Bath Salts’ Sold In Stores [NPR]
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone [Wikipedia]

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